Location and landscape
The Kupfergrube is a vineyard site in Schloßböckelheim in the Nahe wine-growing region Nahe. Its terraced vineyard slopes lie directly below a massive volcanic rock face. The site extends at an altitude of around 120 to 250 metres and has a slope gradient of approximately 30 to 70 percent.
Soils and mesoclimate
The geological subsoil consists of volcanic porphyry and weathered melaphyre. Dark, mineral-rich volcanic weathering soils with a high proportion of fine earth and rock content are loose and highly permeable to water. The south to south-west aspect, the sheltered position and proximity to the Nahe promote a warmer local mesoclimate. In summer, the permeable soils can contribute to dry conditions.
History and classification
The Kupfergrube was formed on a former area of copper prospecting, or copper mining. The name refers to a copper pit. The Prussian state acquired the site in 1901 and developed the steep, rocky terrain into terraced vineyards; the first vines were planted in 1903. A 1921 vintage Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese reached 308 degrees Oechsle and brought the site international recognition.
VDP classifies the Kupfergrube as VDP.GROSSE LAGE with a classified area of 15.00 hectares. Riesling is listed as the classified grape variety; in addition, Weißburgunder is documented for the site.
Documented wines
A documented Riesling from the Kupfergrube is classified as a dry VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS. It shows smoky, herbal and spicy characteristics, as well as crisp acidity and a dry finish. The 2019 vintage was hand-harvested, fermented spontaneously and matured in wood as well as in stainless steel.
A documented 2023 vintage from the Kupfergrube was produced from 10- to 30-year-old vines and selectively hand-harvested. It received a short maceration time, was fermented spontaneously in stainless steel and wood and matured in both vessels.
